A piece of Vincennes history will be brought to life this Saturday, September 28, with the dedication of a historical marker honoring the Piankeshaw Native American village of Chippecoke, a significant site along the Wabash River dating back to the 18th century.
The event will take place at 1 p.m. on the Riverwalk at the Riverview Housing Complex (104 N. First Street), where the Piankeshaw lived from 1730 until 1786. The marker will commemorate the close relationship between the Piankeshaw and the early French settlers, who coexisted peacefully in the area, engaging in the fur trade. A reception and historical presentation will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Vincennes/Knox County Convention and Visitor Center, located at the Elihu Stout Building on Main Street.
Local historian Richard Day, who will be speaking at the event, emphasized the village’s historical importance in shaping early Vincennes. In an interview, Day said, “If you had come to Vincennes in the early period, you would have noted the striking thing that there were these two villages: the French village of Poste Vincennes and, right next to it, this Native American village. They lived side by side in amity, and both were partners in the fur trade.”
One of the notable figures of this period was François, son of Tobacco, a Piankeshaw chief who supported George Rogers Clark in the American Revolution. Despite most Native American tribes allying with the British due to their access to trade goods, François offered assistance to Clark in capturing Fort Sackville in 1779. Although Clark ultimately declined François’ warriors for tactical reasons, the chief’s loyalty remained, and he later helped defend Vincennes from British-led raids in 1780. François died in battle and was honored by Clark for his dedication to the American cause.
“His actions were remarkable because most of the Indians in the region sided with the British,” Day explained. “But François, the son of Tobacco, had the American interest at heart.”
In addition to the historical marker unveiling, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the Piankeshaw and their vital role in Vincennes’ history during the slide presentation hosted by Day. The presentation will delve into the village’s interactions with both the French and the early American settlers, highlighting the cooperative relationship that flourished despite rising tensions as Anglo-American settlers moved into the area.
While Vincennes’ history is often associated with figures like George Rogers Clark and William Henry Harrison, Day says it’s crucial not to overlook the stories of Native American contributions, especially the Piankeshaw, whose history runs deep in the region.
Event Details
- What: Piankeshaw Native American Village Historical Marker Dedication
- When: Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 1 p.m.
- Where: Riverwalk, Riverview Housing Complex, Vincennes, IN (104 N. First Street)
- Reception and Presentation: 1:30 p.m. at the Elihu Stout Building (702 Main Street)
